Thang Co Hon Taboos: What Not to Do During Vietnam’s Ghost Month 2026

The seventh lunar month is the time of the wandering spirits, called the month of Tháng Cô Hồn, in Vietnamese culture. This is a holy time that runs from August 13 to September 11, 2026—with August 27 being the hottest day for Ram thang Bay and Vu Lan festival. The local Thang Co Hon taboos are very important and are strictly followed by people to avoid bad luck and spiritual imbalance. If you live in Vietnam or visit Vietnam, knowing what not to do in Ghost Month will allow you to have a respectful and peaceful ghost month. 

Key Cultural Taboos for Vietnam Ghost Month 2026

During Vietnam Ghost Month 2026, Vietnamese folk traditions highlight that wandering souls are roaming around the mortal world. By adhering to these traditional etiquettes one can avoid possible undesirable spiritual disturbances and harmony within the household. 

1. Avoid Major Life Changes and Big Financial Moves

It’s a time when it’s considered bad luck to establish a new company, to move into a new house, or to marry.

• Avoid making big purchases, such as a new house or car: A new house or car is thought to bring in unsteady spiritual energy.
• Delayed marriage: The seventh lunar month is said to be unlucky for marriage, so many couples try to prevent their marriage from being the seventh lunar month. 

2. Evening and Nighttime Behaviors to Avoid

It is thought that spirits are most active after dark. Avoid loud or intense activity at night, as traditional cultural taboos suggest.

• Don’t hang clothes outside at night: According to legend, at night the spirits try on clothes in the clothesline and leave behind the negative energy.
• If someone calls your name in dark or quiet streets: If a person calls your name in the dark or quiet streets, do not look over your shoulder.
• Avoid night-time photography: It is believed that taking photos at nighttime in low lighting areas will attract unwanted spirits. 

Essential Rules Regarding Ghost Month Offerings and Objects

Rituals and ghost month offerings are widely performed across streets and temples in Vietnam. How you interact with these sacred setups matters greatly.

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Respecting Street Altars and Ritual Items

Families set out food, tea, and paper money (vàng mã) along sidewalks for hungry spirits.

• Never step on offerings or joss paper: Ashes of burnt paper money are sacred. Always walk around them on public sidewalks.
• Avoid taking altar food too early: In some areas, the practice of Giật Cô Hồn (soul snatching) means that people can take food offerings that has been placed on the altar, but not before the full prayer ceremony has been performed. 

To explore more about official cultural heritage celebrations, visit the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Portal or check travel guidelines on the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Historical context regarding East Asian spiritual traditions can also be found at Britannica’s Hungry Ghost Guide.

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